American heart journal
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American heart journal · Dec 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRate-control versus conversion strategy in postoperative atrial fibrillation: a prospective, randomized pilot study.
Atrial fibrillation remains a frequent complication after heart surgery. The optimal strategy to treat the condition has not been established. Several retrospective studies have suggested that a primary rate-control strategy may be equivalent to a strategy that restores sinus rhythm. ⋯ This pilot study shows little difference between a rate-control strategy and a strategy to restore sinus rhythm. Regardless of strategy, most patients will be in sinus rhythm after 2 months. A larger randomized, controlled study is needed to assess the impact of restoration of sinus rhythm on length of stay.